Ten tips for surviving Black Friday shopping

By Kelsey Stiglitz Special to The Daily News

Wednesday

Nov 22, 2017 at 10:47 AMNov 22, 2017 at 11:59 AM

While Black Friday continues to be one of the most ironic American holidays – capping off a celebration of gratitude with a shopping spree – it is also the perfect storm for crimes like shoplifting and robbery.

The good news is many incidents are preventable and extra planning is all it takes to snag those deals.

The Jacksonville Police Department Holiday Task Force recommends taking the following steps to make the most of your Black Friday experience.

1. Be aware of your surroundings. In other words, pay extra attention. It is easy to get distracted when you are trying to cross off all the items on Santa’s list, avoid getting run over by shopping carts and still pay for everything; but it’s important to watch out for yourself, too. Keep phone use to a minimum, especially when walking to and from your car.

2. Shop in groups when possible; taking friends or relatives with you. Single shoppers are a target for theft, according to the Cateret County sheriff’s office. If you must shop alone, make your purchases during daylight hours.

3. If you’re planning to hit the sales right after turkey dinner, have a designated driver if alcohol is on the menu. There is no excuse for DUI. “Don’t get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking – period,” said Lt. Sean Magill, Jacksonville Police Department Field Operations Supervisor.

4. Also for late- night shoppers, remember to park in well-lit areas. Just because there’s more spots across the street doesn’t mean it’s the best spot. Visibility can make all the difference in keeping you and your holiday gifts safe.

5. Follow common sense purse rules. Never leave purses or wallets in shopping carts. You may forget to take them out, and it’s an easy score if you decide to step away to browse while shopping. Carry purses or bags in your hands instead of over your shoulder or on your back. Do not keep your car keys in your purse. Clip them to your belt or carry them in a hip pocket instead. If your bag is stolen, you will still be able to get home.

6. Avoid credit card fraud and gift card fraud by only shopping through secure sites online. Think about your internet service, too. Public servers have poor security and hackers can steal your bank information easily should you decide to shop in Starbucks. Just don’t do it. While shopping in person, inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchasing and keep your credit card numbers private.

7. Shopping with cash? Be discreet, advises the Jacksonville Holiday Task Force. Flaunting cash is an invitation for theft.

8. Conceal packages in your trunk, especially if your vehicle has a visible trunk space. Either keep items in shopping bags or use extra caution and cover everything in old blankets. This reduces the temptation for stealing. Anything of value is at risk, said Beth Purcell, media liaison for the Jacksonville Department of Public Safety.

9. When returning to your vehicle, quickly walk around and check everything, including the backseat. Once inside, shut the door and lock it before mapping your next shopping destination, especially if going alone. Bad habits like this can be an invitation to carjackers or thieves. Additionally, doublecheck you have locked your vehicle each time you get out.

10. Report any suspicious activity or characters to your local police. The Jacksonville Holiday Task Force is out for the 16th year to maintain visibility and discourage criminal activity, but it’s up to you to say something when you see it.